LCN stands for Local Control Network. It was developed by Honeywell.
Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) has introduced the Experion Local Control Network (LCN) solution. This product enables Honeywell’s traditional TotalPlant Solution (TPS) control system to be incrementally upgraded to allow for connection with Experion PKS. With Experion LCN, Honeywell provides a path for continual innovation to customers all over the world. While exploiting existing automation assets, industrial facilities can progressively transition their legacy control system to become part of a new, modern solution.
The concept of Local Control denotes the existence of many logical networks within a single physical network. Geographical area, time, up and downlink capacity, and delay can all be used to build logical networks. You are given established performance templates to utilize from non-public networks as an enterprise. You can distribute resources to your users on the Local Control interface in the same way that receptionists grant access to buildings to guests, their own workers, subcontractors, and so on.
How does it work?
Extending on the capabilities of the Enhanced TPS Node, the Experion LCN enables Honeywell customers to benefit from continual innovation. A new ELCN Bridge connects Experion to Classic Coax LCN using the proven Experion Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) infrastructure.
The LCN coax connection can be disconnected one LCN node at a time once this connection is created. To allow virtualization, only one redundant ELCN Bridge pair is required instead of a hardware connection for each Experion TPS Node.
What problems does ELCN solve?
Honeywell’s gradual upgrade to Experion LCN in process modernises the control system architecture and allows the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT by Honeywell). This technique keeps controls secure and dependable while upgrading and growing with the most advanced technologies. It keeps established, dependable systems running longer, increase uptime, and protects hardware and network infrastructure investments.
What are the functions of LCN?
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In most cases, the first function mentioned is crisis priority management. This means that in congested networks, you can manually or automatically adjust user priorities to provide access to those who need it. This is crucial in catastrophic events, but it is not the most important aspect in our opinion.
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Access to services is a key component of local control; not every user/app requires access to the same performance level at the same time. You can make these choices on your own through the Local control system whenever you need to.
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Another important feature is the ability to view network status in your own location. If there is an issue in your local network, you can view the current status. You may also see where your users are in the network, how much capacity they are consuming, and how much they are entitled to in the local control system. Local control systems can also ensure that the network is not overloaded and that service level agreement (SLAs) are met.
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Profile modifications can be performed automatically using the API to Local control. On a dynamic basis, changes can be tied to time and location. A geofence, for example, can be created. Depending on how it is used or the surroundings, a single device may employ a different profile. The user does not have to be a human, and IoT applications can also be handled locally.